Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt is warning that the U.S. may need an additional 92 gigawatts of electricity to keep up with AI growth. His point is simple: AI isn’t just a software boom anymore, it’s a power and infrastructure challenge.
Data centers run 24/7, require heavy cooling, and are scaling fast. Recent projections cited in coverage suggest U.S. data centers used 4.4% of electricity in 2024 and could reach 12% by 2028, with higher power costs likely in data center heavy markets.
Some tech firms are already responding by pledging to cover their data center electricity costs, while others are exploring longer shot ideas like space based data centers powered by solar.
Why it matters
The pace of AI adoption is now colliding with the slower reality of grid buildout. The next phase of AI growth will depend on where power can be secured, how fast infrastructure can be added, and who ultimately pays for it.
Smartland Energy continues tracking how digital demand is reshaping energy markets, grid planning, and behind-the-meter strategy.